What Is a Meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. A meningioma does not grow from within the brain, but rather on the surface of the brain or spinal cord, pushing the brain away from it.

Although the growth of the cells making up the meningioma is uncontrolled, cell growth is usually not rapid enough to qualify as a malignant (cancerous) brain tumor, nor are the cells likely to spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). If left untreated, however, meningiomas can grow as large as a grapefruit and cause significant problems.

Meningiomas often appear in adults between the ages of 40 and 70 and are extremely rare in children. Women are affected more often than men. A meningioma is the most common benign (noncancerous) brain tumor among men and women 20 years of age and older.

"Benign tumors, which seem to strike out of the blue, can cause a range of problems, but they are treatable," says Joshua Bederson, MD, Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at The Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. "The initial diagnosis is often terrifying, but it's important to keep in mind that we can get our patients through this."

We can help

If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma, please call The Mount Sinai Health System at 212-241-2377 to schedule an appointment for evaluation and treatment.